According to the Ministry of Construction’s plan, rest stops along the North-South Expressway must be completed by 2025 to meet toll collection requirements and serve the traveling needs of the public. However, many rest stop projects are currently behind schedule, with some at risk of requiring extensions, potentially delaying toll collection on state-invested expressway segments.
Delayed Completion Compared to Prime Minister’s Directive
The Department of Roads reports that, following the Ministry of Construction’s directive, contracts have been signed with investors and project enterprises for 10 rest stop projects from Quang Ngai to Dong Nai.
Five of these were contracted in August 2024: Nha Trang – Cam Lam, Cam Lam – Vinh Hao, Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet (two stops), and Phan Thiet – Dau Giay. The remaining five will be contracted in 2025: Quang Ngai – Hoai Nhon (two stops), Hoai Nhon – Quy Nhon, Quy Nhon – Chi Thanh, and Van Phong – Nha Trang.
 |
Despite efforts from investors and project enterprises, construction progress on all rest stops lags behind government, Prime Minister, Ministry of Construction, and Department of Roads requirements. As of December 31, 2025, essential public services—including access roads, signage, parking, rest areas, restrooms, and utility connections—remain incomplete.
Several projects face potential delays: Quang Ngai – Hoai Nhon (two stops), Hoai Nhon – Quy Nhon, Quy Nhon – Chi Thanh, Van Phong – Nha Trang, Nha Trang – Cam Lam, Cam Lam – Vinh Hao, Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet, and Phan Thiet – Dau Giay.
To ensure contract compliance, the Department of Roads has directed investors and project enterprises to thoroughly review contractual terms, focusing on responsibilities, obligations, timelines, and project requirements. Requests for construction extensions must be submitted by January 20, 2026, detailing objective and subjective causes for delays and assigning accountability where applicable.
Investors must also propose specific adjustments to public service facilities, construction timelines, and other legal requirements.
Project Management Units 2, 7, 85, Thang Long, and Ho Chi Minh Highway are tasked with evaluating investor compliance and proposing remedies for violations or delays. Recommendations must be submitted to the Department of Roads by January 25 for processing or escalation to the Ministry of Construction.
No Toll Collection Until Rest Stops Are Complete
The Department of Roads and project management units are currently testing the automated non-stop toll system on North-South Expressway segments, including Mai Son – National Highway 45, National Highway 45 – Nghi Son, Nghi Son – Dien Chau, Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet, and Phan Thiet – Dau Giay.
Based on trial results, project management units will propose official toll start dates for each segment, subject to approval by competent authorities.
 |
The Department of Roads anticipates toll collection to start by late February. However, Decree 130/2024 mandates that rest stops and automated toll systems must be fully operational before tolls can be charged.
Consequently, delays in rest stop completion will further postpone toll collection on the North-South Expressway.
|
The Department of Roads notes that the Hanoi-Can Tho North-South Expressway currently operates five rest stops: Giap – Ninh Binh (managed by the Vietnam Expressway Corporation), Xuan Khiem and Xuan Cuong on the Cao Bo – Mai Son segment, La Son – Hoa Lien, Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay, and Ho Chi Minh City – Trung Luong. These facilities adequately serve expressway users. |
VIET LONG
– 18:15 14/01/2026
